Traction Devices

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Recent Traction Device Reviews

Yaktrax XTR Extreme

I have to agree with several of the poorer reviews regarding this product. Not having a chain joining the two traction plates allowed them to move around causing the traction spikes to line up incorrectly on the foot. This constant movement of the plates also causes excess strain on the link that joins the chains to the rubber/grommet causing some of those links to start opening up. I bought these a few weeks ago to take along while snowshoeing so when trail conditions warranted, I could use these… Full review

Kahtoola Microspikes

Superior grip and stability This product really saved me on my recent trip to the Long Trail, Vt., in January. Slipped right on, in the dark, -5 degrees with cold numb hands. Just make sure you practice putting them on and off a few times at home so you get the drill. Once they were on, I didn't slip once on snow, ice, or rock... and this was up Mt. Mansfield for the first 6 miles. Apply some Maxiglide or other wax to the spikes so as not to gather ice and debris. Also, there is a left and right… Full review

Snowline Chainsen Pro

The best ice traction pull-ons I have found so far, much tougher than the others. A notch or two shy of crampons in a packable size and weight. The roads, sidewalks, and trails can get seriously icy here in Trondheim, with at least two consequences: an upsurge in emergency room visits (our neighbor actually broke her femur taking her son across the street to the school bus), and brisk sales in all kinds of traction devices (brodder in Norwegian). The cheapest and most common type have studs set… Full review

Kahtoola Microspikes

Well worth having for any type of hiking! I use these 100% of the time and they are a necessity for winter hikes. The Microspikes are not only a necessity but imitation spikes absolutely do not hold up to these. The benefit of having these on during a winter hike or even just around the campsite is tremendous. I suggest everyone has a pair and don't debate whether you should wear them or not, just put them on! Great product. Full review

Kahtoola Microspikes

The Microspikes are incredibly handy, easy to put on and take off. When they are on the snow, ice, scree are no problem nor do they slow down your hike. I never had a pair of track shoes or spikes, so I didn't know what to expect. I knew I had to get something because with only my hiking shoes on hard snow and ice I was sliding and falling. I had no traction nor was I having a good time on winter hikes. Even hiking in scree I had traction problems. Several hikers I was with suggested getting traction… Full review

Kahtoola Microspikes

In northern Vermont, our "between seasons" hikes can be marked by variable conditions, including frozen ground, ice, glazed snow, or anything else Mother Nature throws at ice. Footing can be quite treacherous, even on local trail networks; the Kahtoola Microspikes have allowed us to hike longer hikes, more challenging hikes, and in conditions where without the spikes, we would have stayed at home. The spikes are easy to put on; back is marked clearly, and the front has a bar (though sometimes I… Full review

Kahtoola Microspikes

Easy to put on, good traction in snow and ice, stays put. I love to hike during the winter. What I don't love is falling on the ice. Almost every time I have hiked in snow and ice, I have slipped onto my butt at least once. That is until I purchased the The Kahtoola MICROspikes. My first time out on them, I had to pave a trail in the newly fallen snow. Not so bad until I got to the steep part. The Kahtoola spikes kept me from slipping even once. I love how easy the rubber upper attaches to my Ahnu… Full review

Kako IceTrekkers Chains

We have had four pairs of Ice Trekkers for three years now. This season the rear ring on five individual chains has broken. Anyone else have this problem? Are replacement rings available? Full review

Yaktrax XTR Extreme

Fell apart the second time I used them. Seems like a poor design. I bought these last year for a hike in the Adirondacks. They seemed to provide good traction on pretty icy trail up Cascade. Went back this year to do Algonquin and half way up the trail the front section metal pieces ripped off the rubber piece joining them together. I expected them to survive more than two winter hikes. Full review